„Neutrality has never meant that others take care of our security,“ he further stated. It shapes Austria – a „great in many ways“ country – to this day. Peace and security are no longer a given, as war has returned to Europe. Van der Bellen urged the audience to think about how they can contribute to comprehensive national defense.

In light of international developments, Austria must be prepared, said Vienna’s Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ). The armed forces are like insurance, so it must be ensured that they are well-equipped. Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) emphasized that with weapons in hand, the recruits „stand not against something, but for our values.“ To transform the armed forces into a modern army, it is necessary to increase military spending to two percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) by 2032 and to pass the military service reform, she referred to current debates.

The celebrations began in the morning with the traditional wreath-laying at the crypt at Heldenplatz by the Federal President and the Federal Government. In the memorial room of the Outer Castle Gate at Heldenplatz, they commemorated the fallen soldiers and victims of the resistance. Prior to this, the Federal Government had met for a council of ministers.

Heldenplatz was very well attended in sunny but windy weather. In addition to the swearing-in ceremony, the armed forces presented a flyover of Eurofighters and a Hercules transport aircraft. Simultaneously, a red-white-red fireworks display was ignited. On the ground, the army provided information about career opportunities, and visitors could also try out a climbing tower and a cyber escape room.

In addition to the performance show of the Federal Army, the institutions of the Republic once again opened their doors to interested parties this year. There was an open house day at the Parliament, the Presidential Chancellery, the Federal Chancellery, as well as in various ministries and supreme courts.

At ten o’clock, Federal President Van der Bellen, accompanied by his wife Doris Schmidauer, opened the doors to the Presidential Chancellery, shook hands, and was ready for selfies. Just like in the Presidential Chancellery, tours were also held in the Federal Chancellery. Visitors could, for example, take a seat at the green Council of Ministers table. Chancellor Stocker himself also provided insights into the history and function of the representation rooms and posed for photos with participants.

At the Parliament, the first visitors were welcomed from ten o’clock. The rush was great again this year. The time slots had been fully booked for two weeks, and the Parliamentary Directorate expected visitor numbers in the five-digit range once again. After a tour of the building, one could, for example, have a photo taken with National Council President Walter Rosenkranz (FPÖ) in the reception salon, where state receptions usually take place. In the columned hall, the five parliamentary parties once again set up information stands. There, one could engage in conversations with club leaders and members of parliament, take selfies, or grab promotional gifts – from classic pens and snacks to caps or reusable coffee cups, and even the „ÖVP Club“ cent coin from the coin press machine.

The FPÖ also distributed vouchers for their „Neutrality Festival“ behind the Parliament – a kind of counter-event to the official festival program of the federal government, which according to the FPÖ „increasingly undermines this important cornerstone of the Republic.“ The demand for sausages, goulash, and beer was already high in the morning. For the afternoon, Green Party leader Leonore Gewessler invited interested parties to a conversation across from the Parliament under the title „A Table, Two Chairs, and Time to Talk.“

(APA/Red.)

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